SOCIAL MEDIA, FAKE NEWS, AND POLITICAL POLARIZATION – UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL MEDIA ON PAKISTAN’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

Abstract

This research explores how social media amplified differences in Pakistan’s politics, especially during the problems and changes of 2023–2024. Much of current political engagement happens through popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. Although these platforms help people engage politically, they often give rise to controversy and misinformation, which pulls people apart and makes debates less logical. Sensationalized news has increased how people are divided over issues like inflation and joining the IMF. This analysis uses social media dependency and partisan political polarization theories to examine the extent of separation between people due to their use of social media. The theory is that these sites contribute to the creation of communities that make strong party beliefs stronger. The study highlights that to boost democracy in Pakistan, schools should focus on news literacy, the government needs better management of all media, and take steps to oppose false information.